Man charged with attempted murder in beating of trick-or-treater

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. - A Hesperia man was charged Tuesday with attempted murder for allegedly beating a 12-year-old trick-or-treater with a golf club and stabbing him with the broken shaft.

Randall Colbrunn, who was held without bail, was also charged with using a deadly weapon to inflict great bodily injury, said Deputy District Attorney Ron Barbatoe.

Colbrunn, 35, was scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday. If convicted on all charges, he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison with parole plus five years.

Richard Hernandez, his brother and a friend were trick-or-treating Sunday night when they approached Colbrunn's home, where the porch light was off.

According to police, Colbrunn opened the door and attacked Richard, hitting him on the head with the golf club again and again, and when the club broke stabbing him in the back with the broken shaft.

A passerby attempted to stop the attack but feared for her own safety.

Richard was in critical condition Tuesday at Loma Linda University Medical Center, said Julie Smith, a hospital spokeswoman.

Investigators found an aluminum bat and a metal pole, both with blood on them, at the scene. Witnesses told police they saw the boy being beaten with both a bat and a golf club. Authorities also found drugs inside the home.

Colbrunn was on parole for a misdemeanor conviction of attacking a San Bernardino County sheriff's deputy in June, the prosecutor said. He was recently released from county jail after serving 180 days.

His girlfriend, Doreen Johnson, also was arrested late Sunday for investigation of possessing a controlled substance and violating her parole. Johnson, 40, was on parole for auto theft and receiving stolen property.

No charges have been filed against her, and prosecutors said they have not yet filed a drug-related charge against Colbrunn.

''What we have filed is so much more serious. The drug count would pale in comparison,'' Barbatoe said, adding it could be filed later.